Psychological Return to Sport with Dr. Catherine Logan

Psychological return to sport refers to the process of an athlete or individual reintegrating into their sport after a period of injury, hiatus, or other significant life event. This process involves not only physical rehabilitation but also addressing the psychological aspects that may impact an athlete's readiness to return to competition. Here are some key considerations for psychological return to sport:

1. Emotional Readiness: Athletes may experience a range of emotions when returning to sport, including excitement, anxiety, fear, or doubt. It's essential to acknowledge and address these emotions to ensure a smooth transition back to competition.

2. Confidence Building: Building confidence is crucial for a successful return to sport. Athletes may lack confidence after an injury or setback, so it's important to focus on positive reinforcement, goal-setting, and gradual progression to rebuild confidence levels.

3. Managing Fear of Re-injury: Fear of re-injury is common among athletes returning to sport after an injury. Providing education about the injury, implementing appropriate physical rehabilitation protocols, and gradually reintroducing sport-specific activities can help athletes manage this fear.

4. Setting Realistic Expectations: It's important for athletes to set realistic expectations for their return to sport. This includes understanding that it may take time to regain previous performance levels and that setbacks are a normal part of the recovery process.

5. Social Support: Social support from coaches, teammates, friends, and family members can play a significant role in an athlete's psychological return to sport. Having a supportive network can provide encouragement, motivation, and reassurance during the transition back to competition.

6. Visualizing Success: Visualization techniques can help athletes mentally prepare for their return to sport by imagining themselves performing successfully in competition. Visualizing positive outcomes can enhance confidence and reduce anxiety.

7. Focus on Process, Not Outcome: Encouraging athletes to focus on the process rather than the outcome can help alleviate performance pressure and promote a growth mindset. Emphasizing factors within their control, such as effort, attitude, and execution, can enhance performance and enjoyment of the sport.

8. Seeking Professional Support: In some cases, athletes may benefit from working with a sports psychologist or mental performance coach to address psychological barriers and develop coping strategies for a successful return to sport.

Overall, the psychological return to sport is a multifaceted process that requires attention to the athlete's emotional well-being, confidence, expectations, and social support network. By addressing these psychological factors alongside physical rehabilitation, athletes can enhance their readiness and resilience for a successful return to competition.

Author

Dr. Catherine Logan, MD, MBA Catherine Logan, MD, MBA, MSPT, is a sports medicine orthopaedic surgeon specializing in complex knee and shoulder surgery at Colorado Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics (COSMO) in Denver, Colorado. As a former physical therapist & trainer, Dr. Logan provides a distinct expertise in sports injury, prevention, and surgical management.